Description
This Japanese Egg Sandwich, also known as Tamago Sando, is a creamy, flavorful sandwich featuring a luscious egg salad made with Kewpie mayonnaise and a hint of sweetness and spice. It comes in two variations: the Classic Egg Sandwich with hard-boiled eggs and the Soft Boiled Egg Sandwich that includes soft-boiled eggs nestled inside the salad, wrapped in soft, crustless Japanese milk bread (shokupan). Perfectly balanced, simple, and comforting, this sandwich is a beloved Japanese comfort food ideal for breakfast, lunch, or a snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Classic Egg Sandwich
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp + 1 tsp Kewpie mayonnaise
- 1/8 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp ketchup (optional)
- 1/8 tsp nutmeg (optional)
- 1/8 tsp MSG (optional)
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 slices of shokupan (8-slice loaf preferred)
- Butter, for spreading
Soft Boiled Egg Sandwich
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tbsp + 1 tsp (20 g) Kewpie mayonnaise
- 1/8 tsp (1.6 g) sugar
- 1 tsp (2.5 g) ketchup (optional)
- 1/8 tsp nutmeg (optional)
- 1/8 tsp MSG (optional)
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 slices of shokupan (6-slice loaf preferred)
- Butter, for spreading
Instructions
- Boil the Eggs (Classic): Hard boil 2 eggs by placing them in boiling water for about 9-10 minutes, then cool them in ice water to stop cooking and peel off shells.
- Prepare the Egg Salad (Classic): Separate yolks and whites. Mash the yolks with Kewpie mayonnaise, sugar, optional ketchup, nutmeg, MSG, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper until smooth. Finely chop the egg whites and fold gently into the yolk mixture to create a creamy egg salad.
- Assemble the Classic Sandwich: Remove crusts from the two slices of shokupan bread. Spread butter on one side of each slice. Spread the egg salad onto one slice, focusing a bit more in the center to create a nice cross section.
- Wrap and Rest (Classic): Wrap the sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and let it rest for 5 minutes. This resting period helps the bread absorb moisture from the filling and makes slicing easier.
- Slice and Serve (Classic): Using a very sharp knife, cut the sandwich in half to reveal the creamy cross section. Remove the plastic wrap and enjoy immediately.
- Cook the Eggs (Soft Boiled): Soft boil 2 eggs by boiling for about 6-7 minutes to yield a runny center, and hard boil the remaining 2 eggs for 9-10 minutes. Cool all eggs in ice water and peel.
- Make the Egg Salad (Soft Boiled): Separate the yolks and whites of the hard-boiled eggs. Mash yolks with Kewpie mayonnaise, sugar, optional ketchup, nutmeg, MSG, salt, and pepper until smooth. Finely chop whites and fold them gently into the yolk mixture.
- Assemble the Soft Boiled Sandwich: Keep the crusts on the bread slices. Butter one side of each slice. Generously spread egg salad on one slice, concentrating more in the middle. Lay the two soft-boiled eggs horizontally across the egg salad. Spoon additional egg salad around and on top of the eggs to hold them together. Place the second slice of bread butter side down on top.
- Wrap and Rest (Soft Boiled): Wrap the sandwich tightly in parchment paper, ensuring you wrap it so that the eggs will be sliced in half when cut. Place a light flat object such as a plate on top and let rest for 5 minutes to help the sandwich hold its shape.
- Slice and Serve (Soft Boiled): Slice through the center (the tallest part where the eggs are) with a sharp knife to show a beautiful cross section. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Using Kewpie mayonnaise is key for authentic flavor due to its rich umami and sweetness.
- Removing the crusts on the classic version helps create a soft texture and clean presentation.
- Resting the sandwich before slicing improves texture and sliceability.
- Soft-boiled eggs in the soft boiled version add a delightful creamy yolk center contrasting with the salad.
- Adjust sugar, salt, and seasoning according to taste preferences.
- Shokupan (Japanese milk bread) is preferred for its softness and slight sweetness.
- MSG is optional but enhances umami flavor for an authentic experience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 490mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
